Early childhood professionals support children during the critical period of development from birth to age 5. High-quality child care and early education have numerous benefits for young learners, including promoting school readiness.
Early educators who are well prepared and well supported not only improve school readiness, they are also “the workforce behind the workforce.” Without them, many parents would not be able to work or pursue training or education.
The early childhood workforce provides services in homes, in community- and faith-based centers and in prekindergarten classrooms. Earnings vary based on setting and are significantly less than what is available to educators of older children. At an average hourly wage of $14, early childhood education is one of the lowest-paying jobs in the country. In addition, employment benefits, including health insurance, retirement programs and paid sick leave, are rarely provided. These issues, coupled with stressful working conditions, have contributed to high turnover rates for decades.
This toolkit includes resources highlighting state legislatures’ efforts to strengthen and support the early childhood workforce.